OccupyMN protesters to build longhouse in downtown Minneapolis

Activists say the longhouse will be used as a meeting place as winter sets in. Protesters say it also symbolizes their constitutional right to assemble peacefully -- which some believe has been infringed upon after Hennepin County put in place new protest restrictions last week.

Activists say the longhouse will be used as a meeting place as winter sets in. Protesters say it also symbolizes their constitutional right to assemble peacefully -- which some believe has been infringed upon after Hennepin County put in place new protest restrictions last week.

Officials say they arrested four males and three females outside the Hennepin County Government Center in downtown Minneapolis. They are part of the ongoing protest in solidarity with the Occupy Wall Street protests in New York and dozens of other cities. Police say they were blocking traffic. (Photo: Graham Meyer)

Two activists are charged with burglary, trespassing and obstruction of justice charges. The TC Daily Planet reports they were part of the ongoing Occupy Minnesota protest that moved to a foreclosed home in Minneapolis.

Authorities confiscated more than two dozen tents that were set up outside the Hennepin County Government Center plaza early Sunday. Demonstrators plan to erect more tents across the street from Government Plaza in U.S. Bank Plaza.

The ACLU of Minnesota sent a letter to Hennepin County commissioners after officials announced more restrictions on OccupyMN protesters downtown. The ACLU says the new restrictions "run afoul of the First Amendment."

The TC Daily Planet is reporting some demonstrators connected to the OccupyMN movement have occupied a foreclosed home in north Minneapolis to keep the residents from being evicted. The protesters say they intend to stay in the home and in tents on the property until U.S. Bank agrees to renegotiate the mortgage. They say they will resist if authorities try to forcefully evict the residents.

The demonstration shut down traffic for about an hour Thursday afternoon. Minneapolis police arrested the activists for 'creating a public nuisance.' The protesters marched to the bridge to celebrate the two-month anniversary of the anti-Wall Street movement.

Hennepin County officials say they discovered the items when crews tried to clear snow from the area. Despite having their tents confiscated last week and now this latest seizure -- Occupy Minnesota protesters say they won’t be going anywhere.